In this modern day, we often hear how young people are more vulnerable to illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes. When we hear news about the oldest people in the world, we want to know the secret of their longevity.

Grace Jones, an old woman from Broadway, Worcestershire in England, celebrated her 109th birthday in September 2015. She received a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth II (her ninth). When asked about her long life secret, the answer is..whiskey.

Jones said “I don’t drink, but I have a little drop of whiskey every night”.

She also stated she felt the same like what she did when she was in her sixties. This old woman suffered no pain, no aches, and her appetite is still good despite her old age. Her problem is mainly hearing loss.

Jones is not the first who gains from the health benefits of whiskey. An old woman from New Jersey (she is 110-years old) said Miller High Life and shots of Johnny Walker Blue Label contributed to her longevity.

Health Benefits of Whiskey

Whiskey, like other alcoholic beverages, is often called bad for your health. However, it depends on how you drink. If you drink moderately, you will reap the benefits. Here are some health benefits of whiskey:

It prevents dementia (one to six glasses of whiskey a week)

Based on a case study conducted by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in 2003, lower dementia cases were found in people who drink alcoholic beverages moderately than those who do not drink at all.

It gives protection from having stroke

You might be surprised to hear it. However, a research said one whiskey drink a day can protect you from getting an ischemic stroke.

It lowers risks of heart disease

According to Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen in 1998 and part sponsored by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, both whisky and red wine provided protection against coronary heart disease by raising level of antioxidants in our body.

What we learn from this old woman is you can be healthy drinking an alcoholic beverage as long as you drink moderately.